“If they run out of time on the doge’s ultimatum, we want to give them every last chance.” Lady Terringer’s face fell into grim folds. I wondered if she’d fought in the Three Years’ War; she was certainly old enough to remember it, and that hard knowledge looked out from her eyes. “First, we’ll warn all Raverrans in Ardence to evacuate and withdraw to the garrison. Frankly, I doubt it will go past that point—the Ardentines will know what’s coming if we pull out of the city. But if they don’t back down then, they will when they see a wall of balefire creeping across the valley toward them.”

It was a terrible image. “I don’t …” I swallowed. “All right. I understand.”

Lady Terringer’s voice dropped low and rough as a river bottom. “The other possibility is that Ardence could start the war. They’ve already attacked a Falconer. If they decide to start a fight, most likely their first target will either be this palace or Zaira. If that happens—if Ardentine forces attack us—loose your Falcon.”

I stirred uncomfortably. But Lady Terringer’s flat stare denied argument. “Don’t wait for an order. If they spit on peace and leap into war with a treacherous attack, they deserve no less. Let the balefire run wild through Ardence until they beg the Serene Empire for mercy.”

Chapter Twenty

Zaira and Ignazio joined up with us again on the way out of the Serene Envoy’s palace. The two of them walked arm in arm, Zaira smirking. I suspected they might have been saying unkind things about Lady Terringer. Their glee seemed jarring after the ominous discussion Marcello and I had just had.

When the coach pulled up and we all started for the door, I caught at Ignazio’s sleeve. “Did you really mean what you said to Lady Terringer, about not helping with the diplomacy?”

The ironic edge to his expression faded and softened to something sadder. “Of course not. I’ll help.”

“I knew it.” I squeezed him in a quick hug.

“But I’ll do it in my own way.” I heard some of my mother’s relentless drive in his grim tone. “On my own, without Terringer. My help will be on my terms, and I’ll make sure I’m the one who gets the credit.”

“I suppose that’s fair,” I said. It would be easier if he’d work with her, but they clashed so much it might not be a good idea.

“Yes.” Ignazio nodded. “It’s only fair.”

We walked out to the carriage together.